A Ravishing Redhead

Wedded Women Quartet #2

by Jillian Eaton

Can past sins ever be forgiven?

On her wedding night Margaret’s husband took something infinitely precious from her before he disappeared to parts unknown… no, not her virginity. Her dowry! Now she is stuck at his rundown estate without a penny to her name and enough time on her hands to think up a thousand different ways to get revenge against the man who duped her and dumped her.

Henry saw only one way out of his family's gambling debts: to marry a wealthy heiress. Now after nearly a year spent abroad recouping his losses and building a new fortune, he can only vaguely recall what his wife looks like. He remembers her as a sweet, shy girl with beautiful auburn hair and lovely blue eyes. Who then is this entrancing red haired hellion that dresses like a man and swears like a sailor?

Greed and secrets tore them apart. Now fate has brought them back together. Can two strangers find love after marriage? Or will their differences prove too difficult to overcome despite their sizzling chemistry? Find out in A Ravishing Redhead, the second novella in the Wedded Women Quartet!

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Short Stories, Historical Fiction, Regency

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 13, 2012

About the author

Jillian Eaton has written over forty historical romances and is known for finding the perfect balance between "intense emotions, sizzling chemistry, and light-hearted humor" (Swept Away by Romance). She grew up in Maine and now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their three boys on a 17-acre farm where they rescue and rehabilitate senior horses.

When she isn't writing, working at the barn, or playing a cutthroat game of Harry Potter Monopoly with her family, Jillian enjoys gardening, hiking, and being an adjunct professor at her Alma mater, Delaware Valley University.

If readers are new to her books, she always suggests the following:

Sweet and Swoony Romance: Duke at First Sight
Spicy and Mysterious: A Dangerous Seduction
All Around: Bewitched by the Bluestocking
Bit Darker: The Duchess Takes a Lover

Reviews

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Te amaré por siempre y un día, mi amor.



A ravishind redhead de Jillian Eaton libro 2 de la Serie Wedded Woman Quartet

Mí humilde opinión:

Henry James Sebastian Winter, sexto Duque de Heathridge se casó por dinero y para ser honesto tuvo que buscar calor en el alcohol para dar el sí. Una vez que tuvo la dote en sus manos se marchó de Inglaterra para invertir el dinero dejando sola a su reciente esposa en el campo.

Margaret se casó porque su madre le dijo que tenía que casarse con un duque y para ser honesta no recibió un beso en los labios luego del sí de parte del borracho novio, más bien uno torpe cerca de la oreja.

No tuvo noche de bodas siquiera porque él se marchó dejándola en una finca en ruinas. Durante ocho meses se ocupa lo mejor que puede de los sirvientes que quedan y de la casa vendiendo algunos cuadros y sus vestidos para pagar lo que se necesite, poco a poco crece en fortaleza física ocupándose de los viejos caballos y el establo.

Por eso cuando un hombre sobre un maginifico caballo entra al establo no es extraño que la confunda por el mozo de cuadras: vestida de muchacho y el cabello metido dentro del gorro. Solo cuando pregunta por Lady Winter se da cuenta de que él extraño es su marido.

Henry no puede estar más sorprendido al descubrir que su esposa no es la tranquila y dulce mujer con la que se casó sino una rebelde y luchadora pelirroja. No puede estar más enojado al descubrir que el dinero que enviaba para mantener la casa y su mujer ha sido robado durante meses!

Henry y Margaret comenzarán a conocerse y se darán cuenta de que realmente pueden ser el uno para el otro...




ADORÉ este libro!!! Enserio que sí. Fue una historia más tranquila, con protagonistas menos complicados pero que lograron conquistarme con un simple y dulce romance.

Margaret la adoré porque era una pelirroja que daba puñetazos y que a pesar de ser una lady, se remango para poner en orden la finca de Henry

Henry si bien se había ido con la dote de Margaret, él le enviaba dinero, así que eso lo disculpa. Se marchó para mejorar financieramente, planeaba regresar.

Él es un duque bueno, se enoja pero es tan dulce que ni Margaret se lo cree.

Juntos me hicieron reír mucho y babear de lindos que eran.

La parte en que la confunde por un mozo de cuadras, cuando ella le tira un plato a la cabeza, cuando le dice que la quiere y ella llora etc me gustó todo eso y más!

Son hasta ahora mí pareja favorita de la serie. Muy divertida, sexy, dulce su historia.

[Laurie Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and it won’t be the last. I was really surprised because once I got started reading I couldn’t put it down and that’s saying something now days. I really felt like the author done a good job with adding more story and depth to the characters than just having a novella full of hot sex, but no worries you get a bit of that too;)
I was very surprised the direction the author took this story; it is in no way what the blurb leads you to think. I really enjoyed the characters and story and I hope to read more from this author soon.
With this being the second book in the series I never felt like I was missing anything as I was reading, so this is a standalone. I recommend this to anyone who wants a short novella historical romance read.

[Vintage · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and amusing paint by-the-numbers novella about a MOC gone awry. Dumped for over eight months by her new husband, the fiesty h takes over running the estate.

Banter and slow build up to romance. Well, as slow as you can have in a very short novella. Includes the h's three best friends which are featured in their own books.

What ever happened to the accountant though?

[Jillian Eaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ravishing Redhead is the second novella in the Wedded Women Quartet. It's available on Amazon right now for only $0.99... So check it out! :)

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret knew that she didn't marry for love, she married the Duke because he needed funds and she had a generous dowry. But does that really give him leave to be drunk on their wedding day and then take off with all the funds and leave her in a crumbling manor in the country? Surely not. And as eight months have passed without a word or any funds sent her way to live, she has worked herself into quite a tither. When her husband, Henry Winter, Duke of Heathridge finally shows up and she is mistaken for a stable lad, she lets it go and has a bit of fun with the duke, but her temper gets the best of her and the laughs come to an end and fury on both parties ensures. After all, Henry thought he married a nice, calm lady--not a ravishing, bossy vixen. Together they must overcome a few hurdles and start a true courtship to hopefully find true happiness together.

This is book two in Jillian Eaton's Wedded Women Quartet and was another delightful, fun, sexy novella! I loved watching the sparks between the couple grow but how they didn't jump into bed to solve all their problems right away. I thought Henry was going to be a jerk of a hero, because who ditches their new wife with no funds, but as the truth was quickly revealed, I was happy with how decent, caring and protective Henry became. Margaret is one of my favorite types of heroines--bossy, quick tempered and compassionate all rolled into a lovely character. Together, they blended well and I was happy with the pace of the storyline. As always with novellas, I would have liked a bit more--especially seeing more of Henry and Margarets courtship but overall, I enjoyed this and it was a happy distraction from everyday life! I look forward to the other two friends stories as we get just enough a glimpse into whats next! Perfect for the romance fan who loves a sweet, sexy, fun novella. 4 stars

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic little romance by Jillian Eaton.

I read A Brooding Beauty, the first book in the quartet, and then I had to read A Ravishing Redhead, book number two. Now, I can't wait to read A Lascivious Lady and A Gentle Grace.

This is such an addictive series. It's just long enough to wet your appetite, but not too short to leave you frustrated.

I must say that Jillian Eaton knows how to write a good romance. I'm not sure if she has any full length historical romances, but if not, she should write one. If it maintains the page-turning quality her novellas have, I would buy it in a skinny minute.

Thanks Jillian Eaton for another great read.

Happy Reading to everyone else!

Read first on 09/05/2012
Read second time on 04/11/2014

Loved it just as much the second time around.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Jillian Eaton
Published by: Jillian Eaton
Recommend: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Raven Rating: 5
Blog Review For: GMTA


Review:


"A Ravishing Redhead" by Jillian Eaton was a short wonderful and sweet historical romance novel. I really like the way this storyline flowed and it was definitely one enjoyable reads that you will not be able to put down until you are finished.


The author did a wonderful job at keeping the reader interested in what would happen next...and the characters were simply good.... and yes .....full of hot sex. The heroine Margaret was very entertaining and her husband the hero ... who had married her for her dowry...well this is the time I say pick up "A Ravishing Redhead" and get the whole story. You will not be disappointed.


I would recommend "A Ravishing Redhead" to all who wants a short historical romance novel and the question will be asked and answered...Will they lived happily ever after?

[Gaby G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Posted at Oh My Books!

A Ravishing Redhead is a sweet short romantic story. Margaret's husband was drunk at their wedding and then took off with her whole dowry. That was 8 months ago, and now Margaret is trying to save their house and the staff with the little money she can get selling her dresses.

But then Henry comes back and doesn't find the sweet woman he married, but a woman dressed as a man and working as one too. She's angry and practically wants to kill him, but he wasn't expecting to care so much for her....

This is one of these short stories I wished it would have been longer. I really enjoyed the author's writing, and the characters had personality. But it was too short and lacked more plot, and although it has a HEA ending, I wanted more.

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second volume in this series of novellas about the four friends Catherine, Margaret, Grace and Josephine.

Just like its prequel, A Ravishing Redhead is rather simple, but still enjoyable. Kepp in mind that it's a novella, so the story is obviously a bit hurried.

I liked this a bit less than A Brooding Beauty, since I never really warmed up to Margaret (although she was quite entertaining). Her husband, a duke who married her for her dowry wasn't much more interesting either.

The writing style was neat and tidy. There were no surprises in either the storyline or the words the author employed.

All in all this was a fun pass-time.

[Jess - The Hexed Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I am loving this quartet! These ladies are so fierce and loveable they remind me of my own friends! The story lines are cute, adorable, and passionate!

I quite liked this novella. The countryside, the horses, Margaret's temper... it bares quite a resemblance to my own life. Now if only I had the money and the Duke of a husband to go with it!

I must say, Eaton is quite brilliant, I love these little stories and it's refreshing to read something that isn't published by one of the big publishers that doesn't have some grammatical error or wrong forms of words on every page. Excellently written and quite an enjoyable read!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny dialogue...I think my favorite part was at the beginning when she's working in the stables, mucking out stalls, and he rides up, throws her the reins, and goes off in search of his wife. The only thing that would make this story better is if it was a full-length novel. It would have the been nice to see how they met, their wedding, how he left her behind at his old, falling down estate, not to mention more of their interaction so I could really understand why they loved each other.

[Devon Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: good story with errors

I liked the story overall but the biggest issue was Margaret being addressed as "Lady Winter". She is a duchess, therefore she would only be addressed as "Your Grace". Also, what happens with the accountant ? Loose end not tied up...

[Julianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a cute short story. Wish that it could have been fleshed out a little more, like what happens with the accountant etc... but it was still pretty good.

[Nelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Jillian Eaton.

Her novels are super short yes, but she manages to create a tension between characters and build the attraction. Here we had a married couple with Henry and Margaret.
Henry started out as massive jerk: he married a rich heiress, Margaret and left her to ''rot'' in his estate. I won't spoil the reason behind this, but as the blurb says, the estate falling falling apart and Margaret had to manage with almost nothing.

Then one day Henry came back and was completely despicable lol! I love how Margaret puts him back in his place everytime he tried her lol!
They didn't like each other at first, he looked down at her and didn't even recognize her and since he was so mean and rude, she wasn't fond of him.
But of course, they are both stunning so one look at each other and the fire ignites, takes the time to burn before exploding ^_^

It would have been a 5 stars but I didnt like the epilogue: too much emphasis on the other couples of the series, Grace and Lord whatshisname, or Josephine and the last friend. The story was short enough and ended quite abruptly so it would have been nice to have an epilogue with Henry and Margaret as the centerpiece.
Still a nice and cosy read

[Barbara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short Story

Story of poor peer of the realm marries wealthy unworthy has been done many times. But it can still be a good plot if done right. Unfortunately this one doesn't work. No character development, no background on either the "hero"? or heroine. Poorly developed story line. Even after being deserted by a drunken husband for 8 months immediately following the wedding ceremony and leaving her destitute, POOF, she forgives him in 2 days and they lived happily ever after. I will delete this one from my reader, not worth revisiting. Sorry Ms Eaton but you need a better editor.

[Rachel Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

I loved Margaret! She is stubborn and smart with a temper that is adorable. Henry is charming and a good partner for her. I loved the story.

[Lostintime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely as the first book in the series.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margaret was wed to a Duke, not bedded and promptly abandoned as he ran off with her diary, leaving her for 8 months to molder on his rotting estate with not a penny to be spent. She's had to make do without any comforts, but she's content except for the boredom. Until her husband, Henry returns, shocked to find the estate falling down around them and wondering what became of all the servants and the money he'd been sending her. He begins to realize that he's been very neglectful of the wife he'd left behind...one that he thought was meek and docile, but who he's learning is actually a firebrand. And he kind of likes it.

This started out interesting. I wasn't a huge fan of Margaret's brand of hoydenism - it felt over the top. She was outright abusive to Henry, not that he didn't deserve it, especially in light of his total lack of guilt at marrying her while drunk (and only for her dowry) and then completely abandoning her. But that's all trivial to the fact that all the falling in love that happens between these two happens off page. We see them reunited and agreeing to give the marriage a shot and then pick up a while later and they're getting along famously and it's clear by this point he's in love with her. Too bad, it would have been interesting to see the journey. This was also decidedly low in angst, especially compared to the previous story. I'll read the next one about Josephine, but it's Grace's story I'm really interested in.

[John Hennessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read. The author has a very lively writing style, and the characters are believable and well thought out.

The story revolves around Margaret (who detests being called by her title of Lady Winter, though in a very funny exchange her butler faux pas by calling her it aanyway) and Henry, her husband of rather questionable morals.

Spoiler: Henry knows that it is he who has made the Winter household a shambles. Genetics might enter into it, but at some point you have to accept that you make your own mistakes.

Margaret, for her part, does her best to keep the house going, and it's clear that whilst they didn't marry for love, there is a fondness between them.

You might think this is the kind of soppy romance that would turn some people off. I actually think it avoids that by having strong characters with a well thought out plot. If it ends the way I think it will, fine. But that's okay.

This is number two in a series. I've started on this one, because I had a former girlfriend who was a redhead. That may not be a great reason, but it's reason enough for me.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second installment to Jillian Eaton's Wedded Women Quartet series and centers around Margaret and Henry Winter, the Duke of Heathridge. Goodreads provided a thorough description so I won't regurgitate it. Hence, here are my thoughts on A Ravishing Redhead:

This second installment was a fairly good read. I thought that Henry was going to be a scum, but he more than redeemed himself as the story progressed and after betrayals and truths were revealed. Henry was caring, protective, and loving of Margaret despite his intention of only marrying her for her dowry in the first place! I also liked Margaret's characterization; she was bossy, feisty, and strong-willed.

The reasons for my rating are as followed: I felt that the story lacked plot and relationship development. I felt it didn't provide much depth and the story ended too abruptly for my liking. Overall, although it didn't quite measure up to A Brooding Beauty in my opinion, it was still a decent read.

My Grade: 3 Solid Stars

[Tonileg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Margaret has been abandoned at her new husband's estate for the past nine months since their wedding. She only met him at the wedding and then Henry disappeared on to the continent. She doesn't know him at all except that Henry is a poor Duke and handsome. Henry shows up at the estate to get to know his wife and doesn't recognize her because she is dressed like a young boy.
This is a English historical romance about a married-then-comes-love scenario. Margaret is a red head (from the title) and she is smart and sassy (did I mention that she was dressed as a boy!). This is a cutesie historical romance that was a fun and short read.
100ish pages and kindle freebie.
2 stars

[KP Pryce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable novella in this series, although when I first met Henry, I did wonder if I was going to enjoy it. He did not strike me as a likeable hero, but the author quickly completed her word portrait of Henry, and I found myself liking him after all.

It is refreshing to read stories that begin after the wedding when the HEA is still an elusive dream, and the marriage is in trouble. The stories in this series are so far proving engaging, with the author quickly arousing the reader's interest in the outcome.

Am looking forward to reading book 3 in the series (in about an hour from now, actually!!)

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

―Bueno, quizás no sabía que te amaba en ese preciso momento… pero lo hacía. Nos casamos por las razones equivocadas, mi Maggie. Sin embargo, ¿cómo puede importar eso cuando nos amamos por todas las razones correctas?

Fue lindo y tal, pero muy, demasiado, corto. Y la verdad es que después de que no se vieran durante casi un año, se enamoraron al instante.. *sighs*
El primero me gusto mucho más.

Margaret es una chica muy divertida y cabecidura, me encanto. Y Henry es realmente un encanto.
No mucho más que añadir que si no spoileo.

[Sieravonne · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5 stars actually

1. Shouldn't Henry be nicer to Margaret from the start because she had been no more than an unknowing pawn in his scheme? Her dowry practically saved him from being destitute! What an ungrateful ass!

2. I wonder if Henry would continue his outbursts if he didn't notice Margaret's bleeding temple. He acted out first before showing concern. If he loved her, he sure had a unique way of showing it.

3. One of the saving grace of this novella is Margaret wasn't a doormat but a feisty hoyden.

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a funny read!
I have never met a heroine so crazy and honest like Margaret! She is an absolute minx and hellion! She is the perfect counterpart for Henry, who seems like he needed ruffling up. I laughed aloud at his overly dramatic worries when he found out his wife took a tumble off his horse.

Both are great for each other. They just didn't give each other the chance to get to know the other better.

[Jacquelyn Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Henry is desperate to save his family's name, home and the banks will not lend him the money.

His only way out is to marry Margaret. He leave right after the wedding without a word to her.

Can the two save this arranged marriage with no love ?

Or can they grow to love and respect each other?

This take place when marriages were arranged and women wear nothing, but dresses.

Nice read...

[Megan Grooms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and interesting. I enjoyed the realistic relationship between two people that had to get married, each for their own reasons. Margaret was the classic hot tempered red head. It was easy to care about Henry when you after you learn his true story. It was a charming short story and I can't wait to read the rest of her works.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this much more than the first one.

Margaret has been married eight months but only saw her husband once, on their wedding day. She has been stuck on his ramshackle country estate with no money ever since.

Of course there is a misunderstanding! But can Margaret and Henry overcome the bad start to their marriage? Well of course they can!

[Viridiana Ivashkov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fue bastante divertido pero Jillian debió ahondar más en los personajes. Dejar que la historia se contara sola y a su tiempo porque todo fue tan precipitado. Me gustaría leer algo de ella en donde se diera el tiempo y espacio para desarrollar bien a sus personajes y ambientación.

[Widala · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining read. I got hooked from the beginning. Loved the interaction between Maggie and Henry, and how their love grew.
I just wish it could be a bit longer. There's so much drama potential.